Have You Hugged Your Tree Today- Poll #3

Today's poll is themed - Paper or Plastic? (click to take poll). I'm seeking a little advice from all of you out there who think that Mother Nature (MN) deserves a little help!

Treet plans to be a proud member of the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) and as such, I am really trying to do my part to take a little bit off of MN's shoulders. In order to become a member of the GRA you must meet 100 points worth of criteria (or more each year of business). The over-achiever in me plans to do much better than 100, I'd like to be the valedictorian of my class so my goal is to earn an A+++ when the GRA inspectors come around. A great place to start piling up the points is in my packaging efforts. I'd like to be as minimalistic, biodegradable, recyclable and compostable as possible. Many of these things are easily achieved now that the world has made being "green" more of a priority, however, some "green" options in packaging (straws, cupcake cups, lids) are still in development or very expensive.

I created this very simple poll for a complex topic, because I need some more view points on the Paper vs Plastic issue. I wish I could enter them both in a WWE Smackdown and see who comes out with their leotard still intact, but paper and plastic have to much dignity! So, please give me some feedback via the poll and comments are always welcome!

Here is the link to the poll again: http://www.pollmonkey.com/p.asp?U=4576058602

Tea Time

I L-O-V-E the smell of coffee brewing! In fact, I'm pretty sure that if I were a cartoon the smell would sweep me off my feet, and float me toward it. Alas, I am unable to drink the devilishly delicious brew! So, I settle for the next best thing- tea!

It's "tea time" at Treet, and I'm very busy researching and sampling purveyors of fine teas. So, far my search has brought me from Bangkok to Paris and everywhere in-between (from the boring comforts of my home of course-sigh). I'm testing the taste differences in organic, loose leaf, silk sachet, paper sachet, machine brewed, etc, too.

During my most recent search I've come into contact with the people at Honest Tea (based in Bethesda, MD) and Harney & Sons (Upstate NY). I can not wait until I get my samples, so I can be whisked away again with exotic flavors like Pomegranate Oolong (oooh), Dragon Pearl Jasmine, and Moroccan Mint!

Catcha later Lipton!

Baby Steps

Baby steps to learning how to bake, baby steps to deciding to open a shop, itsy bitsy tiny little baby steps to secure a location....

Securing a retail location in a big city is like forgetting to hit the 57 (or hold the pickle) on a Heinz 57 bottle, and waiting in "real time" for the ketchup to slug out! Alas, if patience is a virtue I should be just about ready for sainthood by now.

So, here is my "baby steps" location update - I sent out an LOI (which is a Letter of Intent - oooh, so official sounding) to the Landlord of the location I have been "eyeing" (this is a clue). The LOI is basically your wish list of terms you'd like in your lease. You prepare it for the Landlord, and then they put big read strike-throughs in your wish list, and send it back to you :). That is where I am now - the ball is in their court, which means this could take as long as the NBA playoffs!

GO TEAM!

Sisterhood of Start-ups (SOS)

The old saying "It's all about who you know" is all to real in the start up world. Since I've been living in DC, I have been fortunate enough to meet interesting, generous and well connected people from all walks of life. It's been a fantastic learning experience, and I must say I have never been in a city where everyone really "has your back" and wants to see you succeed.

Recently, through the Homeward Trails organization I had the pleasure of meeting an up-and-coming photographer, Leah Stern, of Leah Stern Photography. She is not only a do-gooder (which I love), but she has a brilliant photographic eye. Via Leah (I'm such a poet), I was introduced to Chelsea, of Simple Pleasures Consulting. Chelsea's start up concept is a holistic approach to wedding planning where it's less about the stress, and all about the well being and happiness of the bride and groom. Chelsea has a 360 degree approach that will turn bridezilla into Buddha (but healthy and beautiful of course :) ). Last, but certainly not least, in the start-up talent pool is Clare, of Flowers by Clare. I met, Clare through a friend of a friend (one of those 6 degrees of Kevin Beacon type situations), and boy am I glad I did! Not only is Clare a wedding veteran (with 24 and counting under her belt), but she is a very gifted flower designer. This combo means she is the perfect person to have on your side for an easy breezy beautiful floral experience at your wedding or special occassion!

So, myself and the other three start ups have decided to join talent forces in sort of a Sisterhood of Start-ups (SOS). The SOS will not share the same pair of jeans, but we will work together to support each other's business ventures. It's such a unique and special thing to have a female support system in business, and I for one am looking forward to the next SOS luncheon!

Q: Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?

A: Thoughts Chickies?

My favorite answer is by Mr. T: "If you saw me coming you'd cross the road too!"

I'm hoping this is the case with a location I've been "eyeing" on Eye St. in the downtown area. The location is in a very high trafficked business district that is also in walking distance of GW University. However, my spot (as I will optimistically refer to it as) is on the shady side. This means that I'd estimate over 80% of the foot traffic travels on the other side of the street; the other side is sunny and has a few lunch destinations. The "shady side" (as in not sunny) only has dine-in places and a wine bar, so people tend to walk on "the bright side".

So, I've given it a lot of thought, reviewed everything I know about retail and consumers, asked advisers and consultants, and here is my solution: hire Mr. T to stand on "the bright side"! What the heck does Mr. T have going on? In the spirit of the A-team I think he should do the "right thing" and help a gal out!

Ok, so that is maybe a long shot, and perhaps should be demoted to Plan B for now (I'll friend him on Facebook later). In the meantime, my plan is to become the destination that would encourage people to cross the road. I plan to do this by grassroots marketing (lots o' sampling), bright signage, and other clever pull tactics. In no time, the answer to my question will be: to go to Treet! YUM!

Little Cupcakes Big World

As a woman, one of the worst feelings in the entire world is the day you unwillingly go shopping for jeans or bathing suits. It is a FACT that no matter what your "real" size is, this size will not fit you. OHHHH NO, hold on to your happy places, because in these garments everything always seems just a bit too small. My personal favorite is when the sales person (in their sad attempt at trying to put a band-aid on a landmine) says something like,"Oh, they run small...European sizes, you know. "

In the food world this is the exact opposite. Size = more, and more = satisfaction. However, in our modern world of Weight Watchers and Yoga, size counts more and more! When I worked in the corporate world, I cannot tell you the number of times we would bring giant cupcakes, cookies, or muffins to a meeting or special occasion. Everyone in the room "oohs and ahhh's" over the goodies, but when it comes to actually eating them (due to the ridiculous size and calorie count) people cut them in half. This action of cutting the made-with-love treat in half is too painful for me to bare!

So, I have decided to go European on my cupcake and muffin sizes! One or two bites of a delicious Treet does a body (and a jeans shopping trip) good!

Baking Powder

I've decided to give myself this new nickname for the following reason:

75 degrees and sunny + sitting outside people watching at downtown location + pasty white skin = I'M VERY BADLY SUN BURNED

Yep, that's right I have a horrible farmers burn since I was wearing sleeves and a v-neck shirt...silly, stupid, pale Baking Powder!

The "sunny-side" of my day, however, was that I was able to do some good research about my potential location. In fact, while I was crispy-crittering my arms, a friendly professional woman decided to share my table with me. So, I asked her what she thought of my concept for the neighborhood. She loved it, and thought it was just what the area needs! She also shared with me some great constructive advice regarding the traffic during August (potential opening month) due to Congress not being in session. In addition, she advised me to target the large building across the street from my spot since it is filled with lawyers looking for a good afternoon snack beyond Starbucks. So, office tastings here I come! I do hope she will be one of my first customers in the future! We shall see...the search continues!

Remember to take the cupcake poll if you haven't already: http://www.pollmonkey.com/p.asp?U=6702658127

I promise my next post will really be about - does size matter? I just wanted to build the anticipation :)

Poll #2: It's a cake in a cup...discuss

To cupcake or not to cupcake? That is my question!

The Renaissance of the cupcake that started with Magnolia in New York has now spread it's buttery teachings south, to DC. Here, the cupcake is such a dessert phenomenon that I'm surprised they have not commissioned a new mural to be painted on the ceiling of the Library of Congress with buttercream swirls reaching out for the sprinkles of Hello Cupcake, Cake Love and Red Velvet Cupcakery!

In fact, I'm finding it hard to resist the temptation to jump on the band wagon since every time I tell someone I'm opening a bakery they immediately say, "Will you have cupcakes?". Thus, I ask you all for your opinions once again!

Click here to take my new poll: It's a cake in a cup...discuss

One major thing I can agree on with cupcake enthusiasts is the ease of making these cakes in a cup. In fact, the history of the cupcake teaches us that these little cakes where also called "number" cakes due to the easy-to-memorize "cup" measurements required for the recipe: One cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour and four eggs plus one cup of milk and one spoonful of soda.

The major argument I have with cupcake people is this- does size really matter? Which brings me full circle to the theme of my next post...stay tuned!

"C" is for Cookie....tic toc tic toc

Hello again, cookie monsters! I just wanted to remind you all if you haven't already to take my 1st cookie poll! Here is the handy dandy link again:

http://www.pollmonkey.com/p.asp?U=2945957962

So far it is looking like over 70% of you love your soft and chewy cookies! I won't do ya wrong I promise!

This Wednesday, I will be posting my 2nd poll: "It's a cake in a cup...discuss". Stay tuned!

Time to make the donuts

Remember this commercial with "Fred the baker"(click on title to jog your memory)? Do you remember the tired look on the little guys face? That's kinda me right now (minus the stache)after a whirl wind weekend in NYC with friends and family. Now, it's back to the biz and back to baking.

The other reason I feel a kinship with "Fred the baker" is because it's time for me to "rise and shine" before 8am...NOOOO! Yes, I have to do my due diligence with the locations I am considering, which means I need to practically camp outside of them morning, noon and night to watch people traffic. Thus, "Theresa the 'not a morning person' baker" will start by scoping out the downtown area at 7am! Have mercy my morning cup of caffeine.........

We are the champions my friends....

There is no "I" in team but there certainly is in winner!

I am a HUGE supporter of all animals (even "Animal" the Muppet...he just wants to be heard)! So, I attempt to give back and help our friends who are unable to help themselves in any way that I can. Since I've been in Washington I have volunteered with a fabulous organization called Homeward Trails. They are a wonderfully responsible, knowledgeable and caring group who works extremely hard to better animals lives across the DC, Virginia and Maryland areas. They are truly WINNERS, especially in the hearts of the thousands of animals they help each year!

Anywho, my point of this post besides shamelessly promoting my fav charity, is to point out the importance of paying it forward or giving back (does anyone know the difference between these cliches?), because it makes you a real WINNER. For instance, today I had the pleasure of delivering some Treets and soup from Soupergirl (yum-o) to a lovely woman who won a Homeward Trails charity auction item- a catered lunch by Soupergirl and yours truly! This woman is a WINNER in multiple ways- 1)She's really nice 2) She is an adopter of a cutie Homeward Trails pup 3) She is a wonderfully generous soul for winning the auction for charity 4) Last, but not least, she is the first "Treet-setter" (stay tuned for more information on this subject).

To all those WINNERS out there...thanks!

The Ol' Link in the Chain!

Eek there was an issue with the poll link! Please use the new one posted below:

http://www.pollmonkey.com/p.asp?U=2945957962

"C" is for Cookie- Poll #1

Hello Cookie Monsters!



As promised here is the link to poll #1:


http://www.pollmonkey.com/p.asp?U=2945957962




I will be attempting one poll per week on my blog from this day forward in order to gain a deeper understanding of what makes cookie monsters crave cookies! With your feedback you will help "Treet" create the yummiest most outrageously scrumptious cookies in DC (or even the whole world...woooow)!



So, I hope my powers of persuasion have convinced you to participate in my poll. If not I will have to try harder next time!

Mandel or Biscotti? I call it a draw!

My very dear pal gave me a recipe for Mandel bread to try out. As I reviewed the recipe I thought to myself "Hmm this looks oddly familiar...like a certain cookie I like to nosh on with tea or coffee?" Eureka...Biscotti! Mandel and Biscotti are one in the same, like Finkel and Einhorn(movie trivia)!

So, I made the manscotti (as I will hereafter affectionately call it) and it is ridiculously yummy! No matter which way you refer to it, this deliciously hearty cookie is a new favorite of mine. I think it will be a wonderful choice for anyone looking to dunk and enjoy!

For all of you loyal followers out there, stay tuned for a cookie poll coming to your favorite blog Wednesday, April 8th!

It Takes a Village

Today I spent most of the day in the previously mentioned mystical world of Crystal City. Turns out it is not so mystical after all (i.e. no munchkins, wizards, witches, or flying monkeys), but it is a multi-leveled "urban village"...yep the Southerners have those here!

In all my East Village years I've never heard of an Urban one, but they do exist! This village is only a few blocks long, but extremely dense with business people, government employees and residents. The biggest kicker for me is that the entire place is built over a concourse or "mall" like tunnel; through which people can walk the entire length of the village, grocery shop, drop their clothes off at the dry cleaner, shop, and eat without going outside! What are we turning into Meerkats?

Interesting stuff though....the search continues!

You Know Things Are Bad When...

Brownies become a stronger currency than the dollar! So, in actuality this is a very, very good thing for a gal who prides herself on the deliciousness of her brownies. Lately, as I request the pro bono services of lawyers, graphic designers, contractors and architects, I find myself offering the only form of payment I have readily available at all times, brownies! And so far, so good...it appears that edible payment seems to suffice in this bad economy; THAT IS UNTIL YOU RUN OUT...like I did today...sigh. So, just like money, brownies do have a tendency to go into the red. Therefore, tonight I'll be back to work makin' some sweet sweet mula....

King of The Castle Cookie

I'd like to introduce the newest edible addition to my cookie repertoire...the Bit o' Borat cookie.

APRIL FOOLS!!!!!! I strive to delight NOT fright my customers :)

Going to See The Wizard

I don't think we are in the East Village anymore Toto!

In my search for the ultimate bakery locale in DC, I've been introduced to locations in areas called Glover Park, Georgetown, Downtown, etc. All of which have that cozy relateable namesake, or general direction in their titles which I can Wiki too find out more about. So when a location in....are...you..ready...for...it...Crystal City...was brought to my attention I immediately thought, "Does the Wizard live there? And does he have a good chocolate chip cookie recipe?"

Come to find out (to my dismay) the Wizard does not live there (or maybe he does, but is unlisted), and it is not even in DC! In fact, it is located in Arlington, VA. Crystal City is a small area near the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, and downtown DC. It hosts over 27k commuters per day and 17k visitors per day on the weekend.

So, you learn about somewhere new everyday in this business. And who knows, perhaps if I ride into town with a horse of a different color the people of this "Emerald" City will embrace me?